The group hoping to revive harness racing in Quebec has formally applied for permits to present live racing and internet/telephone wagering in the province in 2010 and has been bolstered with the addition of two
prominent horsemen.
Spokesman Joe Faucher said the request for the off-track betting permit was filed today with the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency.
Its application to present 50 dates of live racing at the training centre in St. Basile le Grand was made earlier to provincial and federal regulators, but lacked a lease agreement with the new owner of the property, who bought it from the Attractions Hippiques asset liquidation. That agreement -- for three years, with two option years -- has now been signed and forwarded to the regulatory agencies.
Faucher said the ownership group also has added two new members with international credentials: French horseman Jean-Pierre Dubois and Quebec-born driver/trainer Michel Lachance.
"Michel said Quebec helped him when he started in harness racing and now it's his turn to give back," Faucher said.
He said he's hoping to hear back from CPMA by Jan. 15.
(A Trot Insider exclusive by Paul Delean)
I know Jocelyn Faucher can
I know Jocelyn Faucher can revived the races in Quebec, but with the addition of M.Lachance and J.P.Dubois I"m more confident, let s promote the racing in a different way to get new people at the track.